"As a team, we need them to be strong and to understand there has been a big change at the club," he said. "We have to step up and start giving the fans something to cheer about with some good performances and wins."

Not only are the fans becoming more and more vocal, rival players are sticking the boot in too.

With Rio Ferdinand seemingly sleepwalking into retirement and Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra set for pastures new at the end of the season, defensive reinforcements are sure to be high on Moyes' to-do list.

United are believed to be close to agreeing a deal for the former Real Madrid man - incidentally Los Blancos are due half of any fee thanks to a clause in the Argentine's original deal.

At 6ft 2in Garay would look to be a direct replacement for the physical and imposing Vidic, and has a £17m release clause, although with his contract in Portugal running out United are hopeful of negotiating that down somewhat.